Free #PalestinianPoliticalPrisoners

On Monday, 17 April 2017, over 1500 #PalestinianPoliticalPrisoners launched an open ended hunger strike across Israeli jails, detention centers and prisons. The hunger strike has the support of the virtual entirety of Palestinian political organizations as well as civil society bodies.

The hunger strike by #PalestinianPoliticalPrisoners was called on Monday 17 April by Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti and others under the slogan “Freedom and Dignity”. The hunger strike highlights a number of key demands of #PalestinianPoliticalPrisoners, including family visits, appropriate medical care, ending abusive conditions and stopping the use of solitary confinement and administrative detention (Israel’s imprisonment without charge or trial).

South Africans will embark on a 24 hour fast in solidarity with the #PalestinianPoliticalPrisoners who are currently on hunger strike. The fast (during which only water will be taken) will start at 6pm on Sunday 14 May and end at 6pm on Monday 15 May 2017. South African Government Ministers including Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Communications Ayanda Dlodlo, Deputy Minister in the South African Presidency Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Basic Education Enver Surty and several others will also be participating. If you are taking part please send an email to PalestinianPoliticalPrisoners@gmaill.com